Weapon for immobilization and capture

ABSTRACT

A weapon for subduing and restraining includes a harmless projectile that is connected by means of a relatively fine, conductive wire to a launcher which contains an electrical power supply. The projectile is intended to contact a living target without serious trauma and to deliver an electric charge thereto sufficient to immobilize. In different embodiments, the projectile can be a pellet, a net or a combination of pellets and a net. The magnitude and frequency of the electrical impulses delivered to the target can be controlled at the launcher, and would range in effect from immobilizing to potentially &#39;&#39;&#39;&#39;lethal&#39;&#39;&#39;&#39; levels.

United States Patent [1 1 [111 3,803,463

Cover Apr. 9, 1974 WEAPON FOR IMMOBILIZATION AND 3,374,708 3/1968 Wall317/262 s CAPTURE 3,484,665 12/1969 Mountsoy et al.. 317/262 S 3,523,5388/1970 Shimizy 317/262 S [76] Inventor: John H. Cover, 542 Vista Grande,

Palos Verdes, Calif. 92660 Primary Examiner L. Hix 22 Filed; Ju|y 10,1972 Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Marvin H. Kleinberg .N .1 ,411 57 ABSTRACTA weapon for subduing and restraining includes a [22] ..317/262HS658960harmless projectile that is connected by means of a l d Bel/2 relativelyfine, conductive wire to a launcher which l o earc contains anelectrical power supply. The projectile is l 28 intended to contact aliving target without serious trauma and to deliver an electric chargethereto sufficient to immobilize. In different embodiments, the

[56] References C'ted projectile can be a pellet, a net or a combinationof UNITED STATES PATENTS pellets and a net. The magnitude and frequencyof the 8.843 3/1852 Sounenburg et a1 317/262 S electrical impulsesdelivered to the target can be con- 644,896 3/1900 conveys 317/262 Strolled at the launcher, and wguld range in effect from 317/262 3immobilizing to potentially lethal levels. 317/262 S 3.156.185 11/1964Hermann et a1. l02/l 23 Claims, 15 Drawing Figures [4 Z if ZflZ/f/[fl/A/L 0mm 7 0:, 40 Z if f mmnmra 9 I974 3.803463 I 5 sum 2 ur a //1/feel/P762 INVEN TOR. Ji/fl/ 1 [WEE 224M MM;

m n mum 9:914 35803463 sum 3 or 3 EQNVENTOR. 70% Cayie 7M y w KLQMLM-IWEAPON FOR IMMOBILIZATION AND CAPTURE This is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 37,234, filed May 14, I970.

The present invention relates to weapons and more particularly to animproved weapon capable of delivering electrical impulses to remotetargets.

In 1852, Dr. ATiieit Sounenburg and Phillipp Rechten received U.S. Pat.No. 8,843, for Electric Whaling Apparatus, which taught a harpoonconnected through a conducting calbe to a magnetoelectric rotationmachine." The machine was a simple, mechanically operated generatorwhich had one tenninal connected to the cable and a second terminalconnected through the copper bottom" of a whale boat," to the ocean. Astaught, a harpooned whale could be electrocuted" by operating thegenerator, even though the harpoon wound might be superficial.

In 1952, Thomas D. Ryan applied for Letters Patent for Electric Weapons,which matured into U.S. Pat. No. 2,805,067, on Sept. 3, 1957. In thatpatent, various otherwise lethal weapons of the past such as spears,arrows, and lances were provided with self-contained power supplies.These weapons, in addition to any physical trauma that could beinflicted upon a target, also appliedhigh voltage electrical impulses,which, the patent states, are capable of producing either lethal ormerely irritating effects.

These weapons had a source of power such as a battery, a transformercircuit and an interrupter, either a magnetic chopper or a spring-mass,oscillating system. The weapons were designed to deliver a series ofhigh voltage shocking impulses to supplement the normal effect of suchconventional, primitive weapons, which are primarily hand-held or handpropelled.

As of the date of the Ryan application, very little was known of thetrue physiological effects of electric currents on the living organism.Nonetheless, Ryan suggested that his device could produce varyingresults from fibrillation to severe muscle spasms, thereby immobilizingthe victim. It is not clear that the disclosed circuits could, in fact,meet the object of the patent.

Dalziel and Lee, in an article published in the IEEE SPECTRUM ofFebruary, 1969, pp. 44-50, entitled Lethal Electric Currents, summarizedtheir article in the IEEE Transactions of Industry and GeneralApplications, Vol. IGA-4, pp. 467, 476, September- October, 1968, whichreviewed the available data relating to the deleterious effects ofelectric shock, and reported on experiments that had been conducted. Theauthors discussed the effects of electricity as a function of voltage,current, frequency and duration.

Experiments on volunteers and research on animals tended to establishventricular fibrillation as the most probable cause of fatalitiesattributed to electrocution. Currents, if conducted through nervecenters, may arrest certain functions such as respiration for periods oftime after the current has ceased. Of course, high currents can produceburns and irreversible damage to vital organs as a result of heat.

Dalziel and Lee studied physiological response as a function of appliedcurrents and found a nonlinear relationship. At the lowest levels ofmagnitude, electric currents produce a shock and perhaps involuntarymuscle movements. At a next higher level, increasing involuntarymuscular contractions occur, and, with increasing currents, a loss ofvoluntary muscular control. There next occurs a magnitude of current, atwhich a subject cannot voluntarily overcome the contracting forces. Thegreatest current at which it is still possible to release a conductorusing the muscles directly stimulated by the current is called thelet-go current, which represents the threshold between harmless andharmful exposures.

Currents slightly in excess of the let-go current will freeze a subjectto a circuit, so long as the current persists. Higher currents ofsubstantial duration, either continuous or intermittent, can produceserious, potentially lethal effects, including ventricular fibrillation,paralysis, asphyxia and burns.

Yet other studies by the Underwriters Laboratory in 1939 dealt with theproblem of establishing safety standards for electrically chargedfences. These studies, published in Research Report No. 14, in December1939, suggested as safe, pulsed shocks" of prescribed magnitudes, ifseparated by recommended time intervals.

With the growing problems arising from the indiscriminate use of lethalweapons for the apprehension of criminal suspects, as well as for thecontrol of crowds and mobs, new devices must be found which canimmobilize and capture without inflicting serious or irreversible harmin the process. It would be desirable to have a compact, hand-helddevice that is capable of subduing without serious or permanent harm.Such a device would be invaluable for the self-protection of the privatecitizen, as well as an important element in the armamentarium of thearmed forces and law enforcement agencies.

It has been found that there exists a range of electrical impulses,which when delivered to a human target can immobilize the target byinducing involuntary muscular contractions. These amounts of electricalenergy generally exceed the minimum leg-go currents but are in a rangethat is considered well below fibrillation levels. It has also beenfound that the desired currents can be delivered a substantial distancethrough a very fine, lightweight filament. At sufficiently highvoltages, there need not be penetration of the skin to deliver theelectrical impulse. Moreover, it has been found that brief, intermittentimpulses of current can be just as, if not more, effective thancontinuous currents, with a substantial reduction in the power required.

It has been deemed desirable to provide a weapon which can utilize anotherwise harmless projectile and which does not require harmfulpenetration of the target. It is also desirable to have an electricaldevice in which the electrical energy to be delivered to the target canbe controllably adjusted. Further, it has been deemed desirable to havea convenient, manually operated launcher capable of accuratelydelivering an otherwise harmless projectile over distances greater thanthose that most persons could achieve with any accuracy by throwing.

It is also desirable to have a small hand-held, selfcontained weaponsystem capable of delivering a plurality of projectiles, with aconductive, filamentary connection as between a power supply in thelauncher and the projectile.

According to the present invention, modern technology has been utilizedto provide an extremely compact, electrical power supply capable ofbeing packaged in a manually operable launcher, which, in combinationwith novel, relatively harmless projectiles, can deliver an electricalcharge to a remote target with reasonably good accuracy.

In the several embodiments, the projectile or missile may be a fictilepellet, or may include a plurality of pellets connected by a mesh ornet, which would be deployed upon launching. It is also possible toutilize a projectile of the type generally used in air rifles.

In alternative embodiments, larger launchers of the rifle type can beutilized, and would contain a heavier duty power supply, more suitablefor use by law enforcement or military personnel. The severalembodiments can be provided in single or multiple shot versions.

The launcher and projectile are electrically connected by means of afine, conducting fiber which can be coiled in the projectile andtethered to the launcher. Alternatively, the supply coil can be arrangedto remain with the launcher and the projectile would deploy the fiber.Both techniques have counterparts in other fields such as the spinningreel or the two-wire, guided missile.

In other embodiments, the projectile can be propelled, by means of aspring, compressed air, or compressed CO Explosive or pyrotechnicpropellants may be employed, but would, if utilized, bring the devicewithin the ambit of the various laws regulating deadly weapons, andmight require registration by or permits of the user.

In accordance with the underlying theory of the present invention, thereare two types of electrical current delivery systems. A first type ofsystem employs a single wire and operates either in a conducting mode,wherein the ground or earth is used to complete the circuit between thepower supply and the target or in a nonconducting mode which charges thetarget body to a predetermined voltage level, through the capacitiveimpedance of the body, thereby transmitting the requisite amount ofcurrent.

An alternative system utilizes a pair of wires constituting a currentdelivery and return path. In the twowire system, a plurality ofprojectiles may be deployed, connected by nonconducting fibers to form amesh or net which envelops the target. In the system, it is unnecessaryfor either the power supply or the target to be grounded. Sufficientcurrent can be made to flow through the target to accomplish the desiredresults.

As a special embodiment of the single wire, nonconducting mode, aresonant circuit is provided which is tuned" to the impedance of thetarget for a particular frequency. Such a resonant or tuned circuit cansupply desired currents of lesser magnitude at lower frequencies to thetarget achieving the same physiological effects, but at substantialreductions in the power required.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide anelectrical power supply for generating electrical currents and forapplying these currents to a target by means of a wire which is deployedusing a launcher and projectile combination.

It is another object of invention to provide an improved protectivedevice which applies a shocking and holding current to a target by ameans of a wire carrying projectile.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide means for applyingan electrical current to a remote location including a net trailing aconductive wire which is connected to and launched from a portable,handheld power supply.

The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of theinvention, both as to organization and method of operation, togetherwith further objects and advantages thereof will be better understoodfrom the following description considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings in which several preferred embodiments of theinvention are illustrated by way of example. It is to be expresslyunderstood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose ofillustration and description only and are not intended as a definitionof the limits of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a block-circuit diagram of a first embodiment of the inventionin its broadest form, operating in a single-wire, conducting mode;

FIG. 2 is a block-circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment accordingto the present invention, moditied to operate in a pulsed, conductingmode;

FIG. 3 is a block-circuit diagram of an alternative embodiment of asystem operating in a single-wire, nonconducting, resonant mode;

FIG. 4 is a block-circuit diagram of a power supply similar to that ofFIG. 2 but employing a spark gap discharge.

FIG. 5 is yet an additional alternative embodiment of a two-wire systemutilizing a plurality of spark gaps and a bank of capacitors in theoutput circuit for voltage amplification;

FIG. 6 is a simplified representation of a delivery system according tothe present invention, illustrating single-wire operation in theconducting mode;

FIG. 7 is a representational view of the system of the presentinvention, modified to operate as a two-wire system;

FIG. 8 is a representational view of a net for enveloping a target;

FIG. 9 is a side view of a cockle burr type projectile carrying thesupply of filamentary, conductive wire;

FIG. 10 is a view of alternative projectile, a dart in which a supply ofconductive wire is retained in the launching device;

FIG. 1 1 is a view of a launcher for deploying a plurality ofprojectiles, connected by an insulating fiber in a net;

FIG. 12 is a view of an alternative launcher employing a single barrel;

FIG. 13 is a side view of an alternative system including a flashlightand a replaceable cartridge;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the cartridge of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a side sectional view of the cartridge of FIG. 14, takenalong the line 15-15 in the direction of the appended arrows.

Turning first to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a typical circuit usefulfor operating either a single-wire or a two-wire system in theconducting mode. As shown, a power supply such as storage battery 10 isconnected through a switch 12 to a DC-AC inverter unit 14. The output ofthe DC-AC inverter unit 14 is applied to the primary winding 16 of atransformer 18. The secondary winding 20 of the transformer 18 isconnected at one terminal to ground, indicated by the conventionalground symbol 22 for single-wire operation. The other terminal isconnected to a launching device 24, which physically propels aprojectile 26 toward a remote target 28. In the two-wire configuration,the ground connection would be replaced by a connection to a secondterminal in the launching device 24.

The projectile 26 remains connected, at all times, to the secondarywinding 20 by a continuous, conducting wire or filament 30. The target28, as illustrated, is represented by a finite resistance connected toground 22. If the target is a human body, such a finite resistanceexists between any point of contact and the ground upon which the targetstands. Obviously, in the two-wire embodiment, a second conductingfilament 30 (not shown) would also connect to the target 28.

In operation, according to one embodiment, the battery may be aportable, light-weight, high energy power supply, which, through theinverter 14 and the transformer 18, produces AC voltage in the range ofto 30 KV.

Turning next to FIG. 2, there is shown an alternative circuit intendedto operate in a pulsed mode. As shown, a power supply 10' is connectedthrough switch 12 to a series circuit including an interrupter 14', suchas an electromechanical chopper, and the primary 16' of a transformer18'. The secondary winding 20 connects through a rectifying diode 32 toa second primary winding 34 of a second transformer 36.

A capacitor 38 is in parallel with the second primary 34, and aswitching relay 40 has its switch 41, between the capacitor 38 and thesecond primary 34. The relay solenoid 44 is connected between thesecondary winding 20 and the capacitor 38 and is connected in parallelwith a current limiting resistor 42. A second, secondary winding 46 isconnected at one end to the ground 22 and at the other end to alaunching device 24. In a two-wire system, both ends of the secondary 46would be coupled to the launcher 24.

In operation, a closure of the switch 12' completes the circuit throughthe interrupter l4 and the primary 16' of the transformer 18. Theinterrupter 14 converts the DC of the battery 10 to an intermittentcurrent, capable of transformation to higher voltages through thetransformer 18. The high voltage transformer output is rectified by thediode 32 and charges the capacitor 38. The relay-relaxation circuit,including the capacitor 38 and the relay 40, discharges the capacitor 38in pulses through the primary 34 of the second transformer 36. At thesecond, secondary winding 46, there is available approximately 20 KV,with pulses that can be as infrequent as three per second.

In a continuous mode of operation, as in the circuit of FIG. 1, thesecircuits will furnish currents in the 20 to 30 ma range. Alternatively,operating in a pulsed mode, as in FIG. 2 above, where the pulserepetition rates preferably range from 2 per second to 10 per second,each pulse delivers no less than 0.01 joules and, preferably,approximately 0.5 joules to the target.

As a result of thumb, it has been determined that the product ofcapacitance and voltage gives a figure of merit for the effectiveness ofthe pulsed power supply as against a living target. If the product, VC,of a single pulse is greater than 10" volt-farads, the shock can causegreat harm and may even be lethal, even with a single shock. Values at10 volt-farads are deemed adequate to immobilize a victim throughmuscular spasm. If maintained for any length of time, the victim willbecome exhausted or asphyxiated because of such involuntary muscularactivity. VC values on the order of 10' volt farads, produce pain suchthat a victim may be incapable of rational reaction and would probablybe inhibited from coherent, organized locomotion.

Experimental circuits have been built according to the present inventionutilizing a 6-volt supply 10 in conjunction with a 46 to 1 turns ratioin the first transfonner 18 and a 73 to 1 turns ratio in the secondtransformer 36. The capacitor 38 is selected to be 1.0 microfarads.

The output to the launching device 24 is therefore approximately 20,000volts, However, because of the pulsed operation, the average power rangeis in the l to 10 watt level and in the preferred embodiment can be 2.5watts. The power supply of FIG. 2 is designed to deliver, on theaverage, 20 KV pulses that provide 0.5 joules per pulse. This amount ofenergy is well below the levels considered dangerous by Dalziel and Lee,supra, and can be supplied by conventional dry cells.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is shown an alternative embodimentoperating in the single-wire, nonconducting, resonant mode. A powersupply or battery 10" is connected to an oscillator-amplifier 14" whichincludes a switching device (not shown). The oscillator and amplifier14" is connected to the primary winding 16" of a transformer 18".Similar to the circuit of FIG. 1, a secondary winding 20 has one endconnected to ground 22 and at the other end is connected through aninductance element 48 to a launching device 24". As indicated in FIG. 3,the target 28" may be represented in the nonconducting mode, as a seriescombination of a resistive and a capacitive element coupled to ground22.

In operation, the battery 10 applying power across theoscillator-amplifier 14" provides oscillatory energy to the transformer18" which produces a relatively high voltage output. Including aninductance element in the circuit tends to tune the circuit for minimumoverall impedance at the operating frequency determined by theoscillator-amplifier 14". In experimental models, an oscillatoroperating at approximately 2 KI-Iz, and with a capacitive load C ofapproximately pf, in the absence of an inductive element, approximately30 KV are required to put 30 ma through the target. However, by addingan inductance 48 of approximately 7 henries, only 3 KVare necessary toprovide the same 30 ma at the target.

In alternative embodiments of FIG. 3, appropriate circuitry forintermittent operation can be provided which further reduces the powerrequirements of the circuit. Alternatively, the circuit of FIG. 3 can beadapted for a two-wire operation in which case the ground connectionwould be unnecessary.

Turning next to FIG. 4, there is shown an embodiment for nonconducting,nonresonant intermittent operation utilizing a spark gap in conjunctionwith a capacitor. As shown in FIG. 4, the circuit of FIG. 2 may beemployed except that the relay 40 and the elements associated therewithcan be replaced by a spark gap 49. v

In operation, the capacitor 38' is charged to a potential adequate tocause a discharge across the spark gap 49 which substantially dischargesthe capacitor 38. The second transformer 36' efficiently couples thisdischarge pulse to the output circuits and to the target. The phenomenonof spark gap discharge is well known and the spacing as between thespark gap electrodes is selected to provide a discharge rate of fromthree to ten discharges per second.

Turning next to FIG. 5, there is shown yet an alternative embodiment inwhich the second transformer is replaced by a capacitor bank 39. Asshown, the output circuits include, in addition to a rectifying diode32, a plurality of capacitors 38" in parallel, separated by resistorsand serially connected through spark gaps 49. In one experimentalembodiment, a bank of six capacitors 38" utilized in conjunction with a6-volt power supply and a transformer having a turns ratio of 600 to Iproduced approximately 3 KV across each of the capacitors which seriallydischarged to produce an 18 KV output pulse. Obviously, such a circuitcould be utilized either in a single-wire or two-wire systems.

Turning next to FIG. 6, there is shown in outline form, a simplifiedlauncher 50 which has sent a projectile 26 to remote target 28'. Asillustrated, the launcher is operated as a one-wire system and thereforerequires a connection to ground 22. The target 28 is also coupled toground 22 by its proximity to the ground. In operating embodiments ofthe present invention, 40 gage copper wire which has a diameter of 3mils has a fusing current of approximately I ampere. The resistivity ofsuch a filament is approximately 1 ohm per foot and has a weight ofapproximately 0.03 pounds per thousand feet. However, 100 yards of 40gage copper wire would weigh approximately one-half ounce and wouldintroduce a voltage drop of approximately 3 volts when conducting a macurrent.

In alternative embodiments, it is possible to utilize nonconductivefilaments of even finer gage to which have been applied a conductivecoating or plating. Any high tensile strength fibers could be utilizedwith an appropriate treatment to render it conductive. In someembodiments it is also desirable to provide an insulating coating overthe conductive fibers.

Turning next to FIG. 7, there is shown an alternative launcher 52 whichdoes not require a ground connection and which deploys at least twoelectrodes which may be projectiles 26', each connected to the launcherby a conductive filament 30'.

FIG. 8 illustrates a typical mesh or net 54 which may be deployed fromthe launcher to increase the probability of encountering the target. Asshown, a first filament 56 is schematically indicated as being connectedto a relatively positive terminal 58 at the launcher and a secondfilament 60 is indicated as connected to a relatively negative terminal62. As shown, four peripheral projectiles 64 can be connected togetherwith a conductive filament 66 so that the periphery of the net 54 isconnected to apply the relatively positive potential. The centralprojectile 68 is connected to the relatively negative terminal 62 and isconnected to the other projectile 64 with nonconducting filaments 70.When deployed to encounter a target, an electrical current will flowfrom the peripheral projectiles 64 through the target to the centralprojectile 68 thereby delivering the desired amount of electrical energyto the target.

It is obvious that other schemes may be devised to deliver theelectrical currents to the target utilizing nondangerous projectileswith a high degree of confidence of encountering the target at variousranges.

Other combinations of projectile and conducting or nonconducting meshconnections are possible. For example, an alternative device mightincludes a plurality of projectiles connected to the relatively positiveconductor S6 and a plurality of projectiles would be coupled to therelatively negative conductor 60 and the several projectiles would beseparately launched toward the target.

FIG. 9 illustrates one form of projectile 72 that may utilized. Asshown, the projectile may be considered a cockle burr" including aplurality of projecting conductive fibers 74 adapted to be entangled inclothing and electrically connected to a conductive filament 76 which isspooled on a bobbin 78 that is carried with the projectile 72.Stabilizing members 80 enable the projectile 72 to retain a reasonablyaccurate flight path. As illustrated, projectile 72 is launched from abarrel 82 and the conductive wire 76 is anchored, within the barrel to aplate (not shown) which is connected to the power supply. The projectile72 can be propelled by any known means of propulsion includingcompressed air, compressed CO a compressed spring or a pyrotechnicdevice.

Turning next to FIG. 10, there is shown an alternative projectile 84which is a dart such as is used with compressed air or compressed COweapons. As shown, the dart 84 may include a point 86 with barb member88 to enable a slight penetration of the target through clothing and thebarb 88 enables the dart to become implanted and to be held in place. Aconductive filament extends back to a bobbin 92 which is mounted in acartridge 94 which is electrically coupled to the power supply. The dart84 is normally held in the cartridge. When the pressure within thecartridge exceeds the restraints on the dart 84, the dart 84 isaccelerated forward in a barrel 96. Obviously the cartridge 94 should beelectrically isolated from the barrel 96 and the launcher to protect theuser. The dart 84 continues to travel with the acceleration imparted toit and carries with it the conductive filament 90, which pays off thebobbin 92, substantially without friction or drag.

FIG. 11 illustrates a launcher 100 which is adapted to deploy aplurality of projectiles 102 each with a plurality of conductiveprojections adapted to hold to a target. A bobbin 104 containing asupply of conductive wire 106 is provided in each of the barrels 108 andthe several projectiles 102 are interconnected by nonconductingfilaments 110. Two of the projectiles can be connected to the relativelypositive side of the power supply and two can be connected to therelatively negative side of the power supply. As shown in the dottedportion of the figure, the projectiles 102, when deployed, form arhomboidal array which has a high probability of reaching a target.

FIG. 12 shows yet an alternative embodiment for deploying a plurality ofprojectiles 102, here three. As shown, a spring member 1 12 is mountedin a barrel 114 and pushes a piston member 116 upon which is mounted apair of bobbins 118 and a conical, ramp" member which also houses abobbin 118. The ramp member 120 deflects the rear two projectiles 102into a diverging path while the central projectile 102 is launchedsubstantially in the direction of aim. The central projectile may beconnected to the relatively positive terminal while the remaining twoprojectiles 102 are connected to the relatively negative terminal; and,when deployed, achieve the configuration shown in the dotted portion ofFIG. 12.

Turning next to FIG. 13, there is shown one proposed configuration of asystem 200 according to the present invention. This system, which isadapted to be handheld, includes a flashlight element 202, a triggerswitch 204 and a replaceable projectile cassette 206. The housing 207 isintended to be easily hand-held and contains the power supply andelectrical circuits of the present invention. The flashlight element 202can be utilized independently but it is intended to provide an aid toaiming in a darkened environment. Accordingly, the flashlight element202 must be carefully aligned to be parallel with the launcher that isintegral with the replaceable cassette 206.

As an additional design feature, it has been deemed appropriate toprovide some form of alarm signal which indicates that the system isoperable and ready to deploy projectiles. It is believed that such asignal would have a psychological effect and could add credibility tothe warning of the user that the system might be employed.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the cassette 206 of FIG. 13 and shows theelements that would be contained in such a cassette. As illustrated,four projectiles are launched in a substantially rectangular net. Two ofthe projectiles 208, 210 are respectively connected to conductivefilaments 212, 214 and to supply bobbins 216, 218. The other twoprojectiles 220, 222 are respectively connected through conductiveelements 224, 226 to the first projectiles 208, 210. The fiber net 228is coiled in a central receptacle 230 and the other connecting fibers224, 226, 232 and 234 are each collected in a respective receptacleuntil the respective projectiles are deployed.

Turning finally to FIG. 15, there is shown in sidesection view, thelaunching mechanism of a cassette 206. As shown, with appropriate maleconnectors 240, 242 which connect the power supply to the supply bobbins216, 218. Two of the launching barrels 244, 246 are shown with theprojectiles 208, 210 respectively mounted therein on piston members 248,250, respectively. At the base of the barrel members, in a commonchamber 252, a supply of pyrotechnic propellant 254 is provided. Afilament 256 adapted to be incandescently heated for ignition, iselectrically connected to a concentric electrode arrangement 258 in thebase of the cassette 206 which mounts in contact with a matchingelectrode pair in the launcher socket.

In operation, the electrodes 260 are energized which cause the wireelement 256 to ignite the syrotechnic charge 254 driving the pistons248, 250 in the outward direction. The force imparted propels theprojectiles 208, 210 in a diverging direction with a substantial forwardvelocity component. The projectiles 208, 210 diverge until restrained bythe fibers 232, 234, 228 and the projectiles, as a group, then continuein the forward direction. Electrical currents are applied to theprojectiles 208, 210 through the conductive wires 212, 214, respectivelywhich are connected to the electrodes 240, 242.

Thus, there has been shown in several embodiments apparatus for applyingelectrical energy to a remote target. The power levels that are employedare intended to be below lethal levels and adequate to control andimmobilize an attacker.

What is claimed as new is:

l. The new use of a known combination of a power supply, conductor, andprojectile for applying electrical energy through a capacitive dischargeto a remote target comprising the step of providing electrical energygreater than 0.001 joules to the targer in discrete,

separable impulses at a voltage greater than 20 RV, but having acapacitance-voltage product, CV, less than 10 volt-farads, whereby thereactive impedance of the target to the electrical energy providedpermits transfer of electrical energy to the target.

2. Apparatus for applying electrical energy to a remote targetcomprising:

power supply means for generating, electrical energy in discreteimpulses, at first and second output terminals in response to aninitiation signal;

conductive means including a pair of elongated, flexible conductorsadapted to be respectively connected to said first and second outputterminals;

contacting means including a pair of separate, electrode elementsrespectively connected to the conductors of said pair for applyingelectrical energy to the remote target when in close proximity thereto;and

a first and second projectile respectively carrying said pair ofseparate electrode elements, said projectiles being adapted to bedeployed to separated parts of a remote target for establishing throughsaid electrode members an extended, electrical path through the targetwhereby electrical energy in excess of .001 joules can be appliedthrough said conductors, said projectiles, and said electrode elementsto a remote target.

3. The apparatus for applying electrical energy to a remote target ofclaim 2, above, further including a net assembly, insulatinglyintercoupling said projectiles, whereby a relatively large area of thetarget can be engaged by said projectiles and said electrode elementscarried thereby.

4. Apparatus adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energyfor conducting electrical energy to a remote target comprising incombination:

a. contacting means including an electrode element having at least oneconductive point, and at least one small lightweight projectileintimately connected to said electrode element adapted to be propelledto engage a remote target;

b. launching means for propelling said projectile to a remote target;and

c. a single flexible, thin wire conductor electrically connected to saidelectrode element and to said projectile and adapted to be connected toa source of electrical energy and deployed by said propelled projectilefor carrying electrical energy thereby between the source and the remotetarget.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, above, wherein said contacting meansinclude at least one non-conductive elongated flexible member adapted toengage the remote target entangling the target and said contactingmeans.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, above, wherein said contacting meansfurther include at least a second projec tile coupled to saidprojectiles being connected by said non-conductive elongated flexiblemember, said projectiles deploying said mesh and engaging and entanglingthe remote target to assure that both projectiles are in operationalproximity to the target.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, above, further including a second flexible,thin wire conductor electrically connected between said contacting meansand the source of energy and wherein said contacting means including asecond projectile and a second electrode element carried therebyelectrically, connected to said secondconductor for applying electricalenergy to spatially separated areas of the target.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, above, further including a non-conductivemesh connecting said projectiles for engaging and entangling propelledprojectiles with the target for conducting electrical energy tospatially separated parts of the target and for retaining said electrodeelements in operable electrical proximity thereto.

9. A weapon comprising:

a. a self-contained source of electrical energy;

b. propulsion means;

c. target contacting means including at least two projectiles adapted tobe deployed to a remote target by said propulsion means; and

d. conductive means including at least two conductors respectivelyoperatively interconnecting said projectiles and said electrical energysource for completing an electrical circuit through the remote target;

said propulsion means being adapted to deploy said projectiles in adiverging path for engaging a relatively large area of the target.

10. The weapon of claim 9, above, wherein said projectiles are dartseach having a conductive point in electrical communication with itsassociated said conductor, whereby electrical energy applied to each ofsaid points will bridge insulative gaps which may separate said deployedprojectiles from the target.

11. The weapon of claim 9, above, wherein said target contacting meansfurther comprises a mesh coupled to said projectiles and adapted to besaid projectiles with saidprojectiles for enveloping and entangling theremote target, assuring that said projectiles will engage the target atspatially separated areas to apply electrical energy thereto.

12. The weapon of claim 9, above, wherein said target contacting meansinclude nonconducting filaments interconnecting said projectiles forlimiting the divergence of said projectiles during deployment and forenveloping and entangling a remote target, to increase the likelihoodthat said projectiles will engage the target to apply electrical energybetween spatially separated areas of the target.

13. For use with a weapon having a self-contained electrical energysource and a trigger means for operating the weapon, a replaceablecartridge comprising in combination:

a. a cartridge body including means adapted to make electrical contactwith the weapon electrical energy source and the trigger means;

. target contacting means within said body including more than oneprojectile each having an electrode element for applying electricalenergy between the weapon electrical energy source and a remote target,said projectiles being positioned to be divergently deployed;

c. conducting means within said body including a separate elongated,flexible, filamentary conductor coupled to each projectile, electricallyconnecting said electrode elements to said electrical contact means,said conductor being of length sufiicient to apply electrical energy toa remote target from the weapon; and

d. pyrotechnic deploying means within said body, connected to beenergized by the trigger means for deploying said projectiles andconductors to the remote target at spatially separated points, uponoperation of the trigger means. 14. The replaceable cartridge of claim13, above, wherein said target contacting means include nonconductivefilaments interconnecting said projectiles for limiting the divergenceof said projectiles when deployed and for enveloping and entangling theremote target.

15. For use with a weapon having a self-contained electrical energysource and a trigger means for operating the weapon, a replaceablecartridge comprising in combination:

a. a cartridge body including means adapted to make electrical contactwith the weapon electrical energy source and the trigger means;

b. target contacting means within said body including at least aprojectile having an electrode element for applying electrical energybetween the weapon electrical energy source and a remote target;

c. conducting means within said body including at least a singleelongated, flexible, filamentary conductor connecting said projectileand electrode element to said electrical contact means, said conductorbeing of length sufficient to apply electrical energy to a remotetarget; and

d. deploying means within said cartridge body connected to be energizedby the trigger means for deploying said projectile and conductor to theremote target upon operation of the trigger means.

16. The process of immobilizing a remote, living tar get comprising thesteps of:

l. launching a projectile carrying a conductor from a power supply tothe remote target;

2. engaging the target with said projectile and conductor 3. applyingelectrical energy to the target in a brief interrupted substantiallyd.c. impulse shorter than 0.1 second duration at a voltage greater than30 kv, whereby the voltage of the impulse is sufficient to bridgeinsulative gaps between the conductor and the target and between thetarget and a common reference potential.

17. The process of claim 16, above, further including the steps ofrepeating the energy applying step at a rate between 3 and repeats persecond, and shortening the duration of the individual impulses tointervals of 10 microseconds and less whereby the average powerdelivered to the target is approximately 2.5 watts.

18. The process of using a power supply, a conductor and a projectilefor electrically coupling a remote target to the power supply comprisingthe steps of 55 l. generating at least one seaprated electrical impulseof at least 0.001 joules at a voltage greater than 5 kv for an intervalless than 0.01 seconds; and

2. applying said separated electrical impulses to a remote targetwhereby the voltage level is adequate to conduct energy into the targetthrough insulative gaps and whereby the target couples to a commonreference potential through substantially insulative gaps.

19. The process of claim 18, above, wherein said applying step utilizessingle conductor between the power supply and the remote target.

necting said projectiles and adapted to be deployed with saidprojectiles for enveloping and entangling the remote target and assuringthat both projectiles will engage the target.

23. The weapon of claim 9, above, wherein said contacting means furthercomprises a plurality of nonconducting filaments interconnecting saidprojectiles, said filaments limiting the divergence of said projectilesduring deployment and enveloping and entangling the remote target toincrease the probability that both projectiles will engage the target.

UNITED STATES PATENT 0mm CERTIFICATE OF CECHN Patent No- 3,803,463'Dated April g, 1974 Inventor(s) JOHN'H. COVER It is certified that errorappears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent arehereby corrected as shown below:

Col. 1, line 11,, change "calbe" to -cable--'--' I Col. 1, line .27,change "appliedhigh" to -applied high- Col. 9, line 46, change-"syrotechnic" to -pyrotechnic- Col. 10, line 60, [Claim 6] change"mesh" to f] -exible member- Col. 11, line 32, [Claim 11] after "to be"insert 'deployed with- Col. 11, line 33, i delete "with saidprojectiles"Col. 12, line 55, [Claim 18] change "seaprated" to -separated Col. 12,line 56, change "5" to -5.0-

Col. 12, line 57, change "0.01" to .,l--

Col. 12, line 67, after "utilizes insert -a-- Signed and sealed this24th day of December 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

MCCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN attesting Officer. Commissioner ofPatents FORM PO-105O (10-69) USCOMM-DC 50376-P69 U.S. GOVERNMENTPRINTING OFFICE: I969 O-356'334 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATEOF CORECTWN Patent N0. 3,803,463 Dated April 9, 1974 .Inventor(s)JOHN-H. COVER V It is certified 'that error appears in theabove-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are herebycorrected as shown below:

Col. 1, line 11, change "calbe" to -cable=-=' Col. 1, line v27, change"appliedhigh" to -applied high- Col. 9, line 46, change "'syrotechnic"to -pyrotechnic- Col. 10, line 60, [Claim 6] change "mesh" to -flexiblemember- Col. 11, line 32, [Claim 11] after "to be insert '--'-deployedwith Col. 11, line 33, delete "with saidpicojectiles" Col. 12, line 55,[Claim 18] change "seaprated" to separated Col. 12, line change "5" to5.. 0--

Col. 12, line 57, change "0.01" to --n1-- Col. 12, line 67, after"utilizes" insert -a-- Signed and sealed this 24th day of December 1974.

(SEAL) Attest:

McCOY M. GIBSON JR. C. MARSHALL DANN Attesting Officer. Y Commissionerof Patents -ORM o-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 U.S4 GOVERNMENTPRINTING OFFICE: I969 O3fi6-334

1. The new use of a known combination of a power supply, conductor, andprojectile for applying electrical energy through a capacitive dischargeto a remote target comprising the step of providing electrical energygreater than 0.001 joules to the targer in discrete, separable impulsesat a voltage greater than 20 KV, but having a capacitance-voltageproduct, CV, less than 10 2 volt-farads, whereby the reactive impedanceof the target to the electrical energy provided permits transfer ofelectrical energy to the target.
 2. Apparatus for applying electricalenergy to a remote target comprising: power supply means for generating,electrical energy in discrete impulses, at first and second outputterminals in response to an initiation signal; conductive meansincluding a pair of elongated, flexible conductors adapted to berespectively connected to said first and second output terminals;contacting means including a pair of separate, electrode elementsrespectively connected to the conductors of said pair for applyingelectrical energy to the remote target when in close proximity thereto;and a first and second projectile respectively carrying said pair ofseparate electrode elements, said projectiles being adapted to bedeployed to separated parts of a remote target for establishing throughsaid electrode members an extended, electrical path through the targetwhereby electrical energy in excess of .001 joules can be appliedthrough said conductors, said projectiles, and said electrode elementsto a remote target.
 2. applying said separated electrical impulses to aremote target whereby the voltage level is adequate to conduct energyinto the target through insulative gaps and whereby the target couplesto a common reference potential through substantially insulative gaps.2. engaging the target with said projectile and conductor
 3. applyingelectrical energy to the target in a brief interrupted substantiallyd.c. impulse shorter than 0.1 second duration at a voltage greater than30 kv, whereby the voltage of the impulse is sufficient to bridgeinsulative gaps between the conductor and the target and between thetarget and a common reference potential.
 3. The apparatus for applyingelectrical energy to a remote target of claim 2, above, furtherincluding a net assembly, insulatingly intercoupling said projectiles,whereby a relatively large area of the target can be engaged by saidprojectiles and said electrode elements carried thereby.
 4. Apparatusadapted to be connected to a source of electrical energy for conductingelectrical energy to a remote target comprising in combination: a.contacting means including an electrode element having at least oneconductive point, and at least one small lightweight projectileintimately connected to said electrode element adapted to be propelledto engage a remote target; b. launching means for propelling saidprojectile to a remote target; and c. a single flexible, thin wireconductor electrically connected to said electrode element and to saidprojectile and adapted to be connected to a source of electrical energyand deployed by said propelled projectile for carrying electrical energythereby between the source and the remote target.
 5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, above, wherein said contacting means include at least onenon-conductive elongated flexible member adapted to engage the remotetarget entangling the target and said contacting means.
 6. The apparatusof claim 5, above, wherein said contacting means further include atleast a second projectile coupled to said projectiles being connected bysaid non-conductive elongated flexible member, said projectilesdeploying said mesh and engaging and entangling the remote target toassure that both projectiles are in operational proximity to the target.7. The apparatus of claim 4, above, further including a second flexible,thin wire conductor electrically connected between said contacting meansand the source of energy and wherein said contacting means including asecond projectile and a Second electrode element carried therebyelectrically, connected to said second conductor for applying electricalenergy to spatially separated areas of the target.
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, above, further including a non-conductive mesh connecting saidprojectiles for engaging and entangling propelled projectiles with thetarget for conducting electrical energy to spatially separated parts ofthe target and for retaining said electrode elements in operableelectrical proximity thereto.
 9. A weapon comprising: a. aself-contained source of electrical energy; b. propulsion means; c.target contacting means including at least two projectiles adapted to bedeployed to a remote target by said propulsion means; and d. conductivemeans including at least two conductors respectively operativelyinterconnecting said projectiles and said electrical energy source forcompleting an electrical circuit through the remote target; saidpropulsion means being adapted to deploy said projectiles in a divergingpath for engaging a relatively large area of the target.
 10. The weaponof claim 9, above, wherein said projectiles are darts each having aconductive point in electrical communication with its associated saidconductor, whereby electrical energy applied to each of said points willbridge insulative gaps which may separate said deployed projectiles fromthe target.
 11. The weapon of claim 9, above, wherein said targetcontacting means further comprises a mesh coupled to said projectilesand adapted to be said projectiles with saidprojectiles for envelopingand entangling the remote target, assuring that said projectiles willengage the target at spatially separated areas to apply electricalenergy thereto.
 12. The weapon of claim 9, above, wherein said targetcontacting means include nonconducting filaments interconnecting saidprojectiles for limiting the divergence of said projectiles duringdeployment and for enveloping and entangling a remote target, toincrease the likelihood that said projectiles will engage the target toapply electrical energy between spatially separated areas of the target.13. For use with a weapon having a self-contained electrical energysource and a trigger means for operating the weapon, a replaceablecartridge comprising in combination: a. a cartridge body including meansadapted to make electrical contact with the weapon electrical energysource and the trigger means; b. target contacting means within saidbody including more than one projectile each having an electrode elementfor applying electrical energy between the weapon electrical energysource and a remote target, said projectiles being positioned to bedivergently deployed; c. conducting means within said body including aseparate elongated, flexible, filamentary conductor coupled to eachprojectile, electrically connecting said electrode elements to saidelectrical contact means, said conductor being of length sufficient toapply electrical energy to a remote target from the weapon; and d.pyrotechnic deploying means within said body, connected to be energizedby the trigger means for deploying said projectiles and conductors tothe remote target at spatially separated points, upon operation of thetrigger means.
 14. The replaceable cartridge of claim 13, above, whereinsaid target contacting means include nonconductive filamentsinterconnecting said projectiles for limiting the divergence of saidprojectiles when deployed and for enveloping and entangling the remotetarget.
 15. For use with a weapon having a self-contained electricalenergy source and a trigger means for operating the weapon, areplaceable cartridge comprising in combination: a. a cartridge bodyincluding means adapted to make electrical contact with the weaponelectrical energy source and the trigger means; b. target contactingmeans within said body including at least a projectile having anelectrode element for applying electrical energY between the weaponelectrical energy source and a remote target; c. conducting means withinsaid body including at least a single elongated, flexible, filamentaryconductor connecting said projectile and electrode element to saidelectrical contact means, said conductor being of length sufficient toapply electrical energy to a remote target; and d. deploying meanswithin said cartridge body connected to be energized by the triggermeans for deploying said projectile and conductor to the remote targetupon operation of the trigger means.
 16. The process of immobilizing aremote, living target comprising the steps of:
 17. The process of claim16, above, further including the steps of repeating the energy applyingstep at a rate between 3 and 10 repeats per second, and shortening theduration of the individual impulses to intervals of 10 microseconds andless whereby the average power delivered to the target is approximately2.5 watts.
 18. The process of using a power supply, a conductor and aprojectile for electrically coupling a remote target to the power supplycomprising the steps of
 19. The process of claim 18, above, wherein saidapplying step utilizes single conductor between the power supply and theremote target.
 20. The process of claim 18, above, further including thestep of generating additional electrical impulses at a rate of from 3-10per second for application to the remote target.
 21. The apparatus forapplying electrical energy to a remote target of claim 2, above, whereinsaid conductive means are initially stored in said target contactingmeans.
 22. The weapon of claim 9, above, wherein said target contactingmeans further comprises at least one nonconductive elongated flexiblemember interconnecting said projectiles and adapted to be deployed withsaid projectiles for enveloping and entangling the remote target andassuring that both projectiles will engage the target.
 23. The weapon ofclaim 9, above, wherein said contacting means further comprises aplurality of non-conducting filaments interconnecting said projectiles,said filaments limiting the divergence of said projectiles duringdeployment and enveloping and entangling the remote target to increasethe probability that both projectiles will engage the target.